montana105

Also, since you haven't stated the mileage might we assume it is rather high. Well if so it might be that the gaskets were already done and someone didn't clean out the residue from the original gasket problem. I think I remember seeing here on the forum that you can tell pretty easily if the gasket has been changed,maybe someone here could verify this.

Gotta be frustrating. I haven't worked on Subies for quite some time but I'm sure that in most instances if the ECM goes through enough cycles without the same problem it will shut off the CEL,don't know if it will clear it from memory though.the problems described before aren't gonna disappear though,they need attention.Are there any maintenance or repair records available?Like possibly problem happened after some repairs or timing work?

We all understand frugalness and staying within our budget.Unless this car is a hell of a deal I'd stay away from it. If you really like the car then a code scan is imperative in determining whether you can afford to first buy it then fix it and then maintain it,Gary could probably fill you in more on what this car may be worth,maybe he'll chime in. I'd personally back away if it's more than 2000.00 US,and I'd still be sweating it not knowing what's wrong.

Is this a private transaction or through a dealer? If through a dealer they should be able to read the codes for you.And by now any independent mechanic should have the equipment to read codes on this age of car if you have any buddies with code readers.

Only trying to help,wasn't aware you didn't have any of the same auto parts dealers we have since you're listed in Michigan.by the way welcome to the board....

Any other warning lights on? such as ABS or brake.Drive the car down to the local parts store and hook it up to a code reader,if it blows up you aren't responsible!!! Get the codes and then get back to us.

Ground problem? What prompted the knock sensor replace?

Guess what I'm really curious about as we haven't actually been to the showroom is if this car has the infamous virgin switch? And if it wasn't a dead battery situation what was it?

The wife and I have been looking at a new one and this kind of concerns me but I'd like to know what it was you did to finally get it started,was it the car or did you leave something or etc..? Thanks John

Absorka-welcome fellow Montanan- yes we do have laws regarding tinting,whether or not your local cop is gonna notice is up to the cop if you get my meaning.I've had numerous cars tinted and most of the good shops won't tint beyond the law(35% on the rears if I remember). I think I was told at one time there are special rules for limos.

Since we are on the subject of MY's with 2.2, I have a question that I hope doesn't steal the topic of the thread.Why did Subaru ditch the 2.2? The obvious answer is the 2.5,but now that we are seeing so many issues with the 2.5 why doesn't Subaru bring back the tried and tested? Any ideas?

After checking you have the correct ECU I think you are on the right path. 6 or 7 years of sitting around has lots of affects on a vehicle corrosion comes to mind, not to mention critters building and rearranging your wire paths

Not sure of the legalities of where you're at but here in Montana an insurance company cannot force you to use a particular body shop,of course if you don't use their's they'll find a way to cancel your policy,and doing any of the quoted work on your own may negate any kind of warranty the body shop or insurance co. claims to offer. It may be worth while to fix what you can and then get requoted and see if the insurance will pick up the rest,but who knows about insurance co.s Good luck

Would it also be worthwhile to coat the new lines with some kind of underbody spray or something to prevent future occurrences? Wrap then new lines in some heavy duty tape?

Guys/Gals- does that MPH/RPM sound right in original post? 30 mph@ 3500 rpm,seems high to me and if that's the case with mileage stated wonder if the OP is winding car to high to long,my 93 Leg runs approx 3200 rpm at 75 mph in 5th gear.Don't know my logic here,the mph/rpm stood out though

uh oh:grin:

Ed-sorry it has come to this,but don't give up hope.Since you have SOA involved it may be possible to get them to front the money to have the work done at another dealership as they have to be concerned also that the current dealership won't perform as expected which only creates more problems for them.SOA can exert the necessary pressure if needed,as they probably have the power to recommend what dealerships are worthy of the Subaru name and a dealership is nothing without a brand name.If nothing else let the current dealership fix the car and then trade it off at another dealer.

Okay-well I would stay away from the dealer,as Nipper suggested this is pretty high priced and with the year of the car I would start relying on a reputable indy mechanic if you can't or don't want to do repairs yourself and i would seriously consider an engine swap.If you're keeping the car it won't set you back to replace the radiator anyways so that is an option to try before any further repairs.

Is that a dealer price or Indy? And is there any white looking stuff in your oil or smoke out the exhaust? I would attempt every test known to prove out the head gaskets before conclusion although it does sound like HG. And if it does prove to be HG and you want to keep the car you might look into a 2.2 swap or rebuild from CCR.going that route I would swap in the used 2.2.

It's a dealership,they can't run out of loaners,they have plenty of demo's and other cars on the lot

Okay-did you happen to save the old coolant? If so take a sample and have it tested ( i can't remember the name of the test,but someone will chime in). Just because the radiator or hoses are hot it wouldn't automatically mean the fluid in your recovery tank fluid would be hot.Do you have heat in the cabin of the car?

Exactly!!!

That is exactly the point-it's not Subaru specific.We all know that the 2.2 is more dependable in all regards,but Nipper wasn't just talking Subaru as evidenced by his quote.I don't recall Nipper saying any specific engine any manufacture,just mileage and maybe maintenance. Walker-you don't happen to work for the Subaru dealership in Bozeman?

Guys and Gals,this sure turned into a hate Nipper thread.I think you all missed the point of Nippers post.He wasn't even commenting about Subaru engines specifically,just a very true provable point that any used car with 160000 miles is more susceptible to HG failure.Maybe Nipper doesn't like the 2.5 but he didn't deserve that Gross and Skip> iwould love for you to show me a vehicle that anyone can buy that has 160000 miles with very questionable maintenace that wouldn't be more prone to HG failure.

Not to be rude-but I certainly don't misunderstand and my intention was to forewarn you,believe me they will expend whatever resources they have to de-bunk you to win their case,they will spend well over the 10000.00 limit to protect themselves,and if they win you jeopardize yourself if you ever say anything bad about them especially in public as you would only help their cause.My opinion is to have a second opinion from another dealer or certified Subaru mechanic stating the problems and needed corrections in writing.i would also wait and see if SOA steps up and handles the problem.